2010 SEC games - No. 11 Alabama at South Carolina

Published: Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 6:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, July 9, 2010 at 5:39 p.m.

Gatorsports counts down the top 25 games in the SEC for the 2010 season.

No. 11 ALABAMA AT SOUTH CAROLINA

When: Oct. 9.

Why it's must-see TV: Alabama heads into the season as the SEC — and national — favorite, but South Carolina has the talent to have a special year in 2010. If redshirt junior quarterback Stephen Garcia gets time in the pocket and shows maturity from last season, he could be a star in the Gamecocks' offense. The game is in Columbia, where the Gamecock fans can get a bit rowdy. This is not a game for the Tide to overlook.

All-time record: Alabama leads the series, 12-2.

Recent history: It was a defensive struggle for most of a 2009 game that started with a 77-yard interception returned for a touchdown by Alabama's Mark Barron and ended with a 4-yard rushing touchdown by Mark Ingram as the Tide won 20-6. The two met again in 2005, where the Gamecocks were topped at home 34-17. South Carolina's only two wins in the series came in 2004 (20-3) and 2001 (37-36). Before that Alabama had won the first 10 games.

Quick hit: This matchup will bring two of the most recognizable SEC coaches together in South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier and Alabama's Nick Saban. Saban is 3-2 all-time against Spurrier.

<p><i>Gatorsports counts down the top 25 games in the SEC for the 2010 season.</i></p><p><b>No. 11 ALABAMA AT SOUTH CAROLINA</b></p><p><b>When:</b> Oct. 9.</p><p><b>Why it's must-see TV:</b> Alabama heads into the season as the SEC — and national — favorite, but South Carolina has the talent to have a special year in 2010. If redshirt junior quarterback Stephen Garcia gets time in the pocket and shows maturity from last season, he could be a star in the Gamecocks' offense. The game is in Columbia, where the Gamecock fans can get a bit rowdy. This is not a game for the Tide to overlook.</p><p><b>All-time record:</b> Alabama leads the series, 12-2.</p><p><b>Recent history:</b> It was a defensive struggle for most of a 2009 game that started with a 77-yard interception returned for a touchdown by Alabama's Mark Barron and ended with a 4-yard rushing touchdown by Mark Ingram as the Tide won 20-6. The two met again in 2005, where the Gamecocks were topped at home 34-17. South Carolina's only two wins in the series came in 2004 (20-3) and 2001 (37-36). Before that Alabama had won the first 10 games.</p><p><b>Quick hit:</b> This matchup will bring two of the most recognizable SEC coaches together in South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier and Alabama's Nick Saban. Saban is 3-2 all-time against Spurrier.</p>